Texas Betting SitesHow To Sports Bet in TX
Texas Betting Access – Quick Summary
Top Recommended Betting Platforms for Texas Residents
- BetUS — Best Online Sportsbook
- Bovada — Best Betting Variety
- Everygame — Premier Live Betting Experience
- BetNow — Best Horse Racebook
- MyBookie — Best Option for Beginners
- BetOnline — Leading Choice for Prop Betting
- SportsBetting.ag — Optimal for Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
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BetUS – Best Online Sportsbook
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Bovada – Best Betting Variety
Bovada is remarkable for its wide array of betting options. Whether on major sports or unique props, including politics, entertainment, or even predicting the next Pope, there's always something to place a bet on. You can engage in live lottery-style games, camel racing, and virtual sports events 24/7. Whether it’s a match between Austin FC and FC Dallas, the betting odds for Greg Abbott's presidential aspirations, or a potential Nobel recognition for Cormac McCarthy, Bovada ensures that betting remains engaging, unpredictable, and notably extensive. With years of operational experience, it is a trusted platform for bettors who appreciate variety.
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Everygame — Top Live Betting Interface
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BetNow – Best Horse Racebook
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MyBookie — Ideal for New Bettors and Beginners
As Texas teams start to perform well, new bettors are eager to dive into the action. MyBookie emerges as the perfect platform for novices ready to place their very first wagers. The Help Center is filled with an array of instructional videos and guides covering all aspects from deposits to cash-outs, easily accessible from the homepage—no account necessary. With 11 distinct categories, along with email support for non-account holders and live chat for members, MyBookie makes the betting learning curve as straightforward as enjoying delicious brisket at a barbecue joint.
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BetOnline — Premium Sportsbook for Prop Betting
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SportsBetting.ag — Superior Payout and Deposit Options
Evaluating the Top Texas Betting Platforms
| Casinos | | | | | | |
| Bonus | 100% up to $1,000 | 50% up to $250 | 125% up to $2,625 | 150% up to $225 | 50% up to $1,000 | 50% up to $250 |
| Number of Deposit Methods | 10 | 23 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 23 |
| Number of Withdrawal Methods | 9 | 20 | 7 | 5 | 11 | 20 |
| Live Betting | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Poker | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Horse Racing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Read Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review | Full Review |
| Sign Up | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now | Play Now |
Our Method for Selecting the Best Online Sportsbooks in Texas
Prior to making any recommendations, our analysts assess each online sportsbook from the perspective of Texas users to ensure they align with our rigorous standards. We examine aspects such as:
- Availability in Texas
- Safety & Security
- Payment Options
- Texas Sport & Event Coverage
- Competitive Odds & Betting Lines
- Customer Support
- Mobile Compatibility & Experience
Availability in Texas
Is the sportsbook accessible within Texas?
Many sportsbooks impose geographic limitations on specific states, but by following our curated list of recommended sites for Texans, you can place bets easily across Texas cities, from El Paso to Houston, and from Amarillo to Brownsville.
Safety & Security
Are your deposits and personal details secure?
As online sportsbooks cannot obtain licenses in Texas, we focus on those licensed by reputable international bodies before endorsing them to Texas users. Such sites must also adhere to global standards for encryption protocols (TLS) and implement security measures for user accounts (such as phone verification, identity checks, and two-factor authentication).
Payment Options
Are there multiple secure methods for deposits and withdrawals?
Like other residents in the U.S., Texans now have a plethora of banking methods to choose from, especially with the proliferation of cryptocurrencies over the last five years. This trend should be reflected in the payment options available at online sportsbooks catering to TX bettors. Additionally, we evaluate:
- Compatibility with popular digital wallets and electronic transfer services frequently used by Texans (such as Cash App or PayPal)
- Minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal criteria
- Processing times
- Processing fees
Texas Sports Coverage
Is there a wide selection of sports and leagues available for betting?
Texas is home to numerous professional and top-tier college sports teams, ensuring that you can find a Lone Star team to back throughout the year, depending on the sportsbook’s coverage.
We aim to connect you with a sportsbook that enables you to bet on Austin’s Complexity esports team just as easily as the Mavericks.
Competitive Odds & Betting Lines
Is the sportsbook leveraging accurate data, detailed analysis, and comprehensive expertise?
A high-quality sportsbook should offer fair and competitive odds comparable to those found elsewhere in the market. We explore the betting lines and the value they present, particularly for popular Texas betting events like NASCAR’s AAA Texas 500.
We also assess the vigorish in relation to industry norms (ranging from 2% at the lower end to 10% at the higher end).
Customer Support
Is the customer service comprehensive, knowledgeable, and easy to reach?
With nearly 250,000 residents employed across various call centers, it’s evident that Texans understand and appreciate quality customer service. Recommended sportsbooks must provide excellent support options (24/7 live chat, email, phone assistance, FAQs, and informational articles or tutorials), staffed by friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive representatives. Southern hospitality at its finest!
Mobile Compatibility
Is the mobile sportsbook reliable and consistent across devices?
With a mix of unexpected losses and remarkable championships in their sports history, Texas fans understand how quickly things can shift. For example, consider if Justin Verlander had faced an injury during the Astros' memorable 2017 World Series run!
Bettors require the ability to adjust their wagers right up until the last moment and on the go. Instant-play, mobile sportsbooks that are as adept or even superior to their desktop counterparts are the ideal standard we seek.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
Under Texas law, sports betting isn't permitted. It falls under Article 3, Section 47 of the Texas Constitution, which states that \"all forms of betting are forbidden.\"
There has been growing interest and Significant lobbying efforts from lobbyists, professional sports franchises, and major casino corporations. In Texas, the path to establishing regulated sports betting is fraught with challenges. The legalization of such activities demands a significant overhaul of existing laws, which necessitates a constitutional amendment. To initiate this process, a two-thirds majority from both the House of Representatives and the Senate is essential, along with approval from voters in a statewide referendum.
For that reason, the online sportsbooks recommended by Sports Geek operate under strict regulations and licenses granted by international gaming authorities, ensuring safe and responsible betting options for users.
Sports Betting Legislation in Texas
As we approach 2025, the efforts to advance sports betting in Texas appear stalled, especially with the upcoming election set to bring more anti-gambling legislators into the fold following the 2024 vote.
Since May 14, 2018, when the US Supreme Court lifted a blanket prohibition on sports betting, individual states have regained control over the legislation and regulation of sports wagering. Since then, Texas lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at legalizing sports betting in various forms, but so far, none have successfully passed through the legislative process. HB 1121 , SB 1980 , HB 3043 , HB 2303 and HB 1275 , to name a few.)
Horse Racing Legislation in Texas
In Texas, several forms of betting on horse racing are legal, including retail horse racebooks, pari-mutuel betting on live horse events, and simulcasts of races, in addition to historical racing machines (HRMs).
The Texas Racing Act The legal framework for horse racing in Texas was initially established through legislation passed in 1986, followed by a state referendum in 1987 that allowed for pari-mutuel betting on races. The Texas Racing Commission (TRC) oversees the industry, and the last significant amendments to the act occurred in 2019, including provisions permitting HRMs at authorized racing venues, which allow wagers on anonymized past races.
Popular Texas race tracks include:
Lone Star Park In Grand Prairie, the live racing season runs from April to July and again from September to November.
Sam Houston Race Park Houston aligns its live racing season from January to April.
Retama Park In Selma, the live racing season spans from May to October.
Gillespie County Fairgrounds There is live racing scheduled over four weekends in July and August.
Online Racebooks in Texas
Currently, Texas law does not recognize online racebooks, which means no licensed options for online horse betting are available within the state. Nevertheless, the sportsbooks we endorse are regulated by international gaming authorities and accessible to bettors in Texas. horse race betting sites At these recommended platforms, users can find a variety of international horse races throughout the year, along with local races conducted at Texas racetracks during the season.
Experts largely regard the chances of Texas legalizing sports betting by 2025 as slim.
The Future of Sports Betting in Texas
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, has consistently expressed opposition to any betting legislation.
This resistance persists even amid substantial lobbying efforts and financial investment by organizations seeking to promote legalized sports betting. For years, various interest groups and citizens in Texas have championed the cause of legalizing sports betting. Here’s a brief overview of the recent legislative developments in this area. HJR 134 seeks a constitutional amendment that would empower the Texas legislature to legalize and regulate sports betting. GOP lawmakers have labeled the bill as critical in a correspondence to the chair of the House State Affairs Committee. Texas Sports Betting Alliance .
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Recently, the State Affairs Committee approved HB 1942 and HJR 102, which aim to legalize online sports betting. Additionally, HB 2843 and HJR 155 have passed, proposing to allow for retail sports betting at casino resorts, although these efforts were ultimately blocked by Lt. Governor Patrick.
Processing times
Houston, often regarded as Texas's most culturally diverse city, offers BetNow as a top choice for residents interested in wagering on international leagues, which range from Polish basketball to South Korean baseball and Brazilian soccer.
Processing fees
- banking_options
- Texas Sports Coverage
Dallas showcases renowned teams like the Mavericks (NBA), Cowboys (NFL), Rangers (MLB), and Stars (NHL), while also being a significant center for professional e-sports, featuring organizations such as the Fuel, Empire, Team Envy, and Complexity. We recommend Bovada for its extensive e-sports betting options, covering ten different games and major tournaments. other .
Competitive Odds & Betting Lines
- betting_variety
- Customer Support
- customer_service
- Mobile Compatibility
In San Antonio, where 64% of the population identifies as Hispanic, we prefer BetUS due to its extensive offering of betting lines on Latin American and European leagues, particularly in soccer, covering multiple leagues from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.mobile Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?There has been growing interest and .
Sports Betting Legislation in Texas
- HB 1121
- SB 1980
Austin residents can embrace the slogan 'Keep Austin Weird' with Bovada, which provides a mix of entertainment, political, and unique wagering events. Bettors can engage with unexpected events ranging from Eurovision outcomes to predictions about celebrity relationships and gas prices.HB 3043 HB 2303
and
- HB 1275
For Texans craving the experience of an in-person sportsbook, traveling outside of the state is necessary. A range of options exists in bordering states and within towns across the Mexico border., to name a few.) Horse Racing Legislation in Texas
The
- Texas Racing Act
- Popular Texas race tracks include:
Lone Star Park Sam Houston Race Park Retama Park
Gillespie County Fairgrounds
- Online Racebooks in Texas
- horse race betting sites
- The Future of Sports Betting in Texas
- Texas Sports Betting Alliance
- Play Now
- Play Now
Play Now Play Now NRFI Fridays Contest Availability in Texas Safety & Security
Exploring Sports Betting in Neighboring Regions
If you reside in northern Texas, three out of the four neighboring states offer licensed brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in their casinos and racecourses.
Payment Options
In 2020, Louisiana legalized sports betting in casinos and other licensed venues, and the first physical sportsbooks began operating in October 2021.
Availability in Texas
Arkansas authorized in-person sports betting in 2019, with mobile betting launching in mid-2022, subsequently becoming a substantial revenue source for the state.
Processing times
Legal sports betting access was established in New Mexico following a 2018 tribal gaming agreement that recognized all forms of Class III gaming.
Competitive Odds & Betting Lines
For those in southern Texas, crossing the US-Mexico border may provide more convenient access to sportsbooks. If you're up for a road trip, several reputable retail outlets await you:
betting_variety
Casino Caliente in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua — approximately 30 minutes from El Paso, TX.
PlayCity in Monterrey, Nuevo León — around 2 hours and 45 minutes from Laredo, TX.
Codere in Monterrey, Nuevo León — also about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Laredo, TX.
customer_service
Is Sports Betting Legal in Texas?
HB 1121
HB 3043
Poker rooms have been legally sanctioned and regulated in Texas since 2019. Under these rules, operators cannot derive profit from buy-ins or player winnings. Although some local challenges exist at the municipal level, poker remains one of the more accessible gambling options, with approximately 60 poker rooms in operation. Major poker tournaments, including the World Poker Tour, frequently feature stops in Texas, and the Texas State Poker Championship is held annually in Austin, drawing top poker talents from across the country.
- As you may expect, sports are incredibly popular in Texas, and the state hosts myriad events that present wagering opportunities. Here are a few events to watch for in your favorite sports.
- Efforts to legalize sports betting in Texas are facing significant hurdles. Any proposed changes to the state's betting regulations necessitate a modification to the constitution, which can only be achieved through a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the state legislature, along with a successful outcome in a public referendum.
- For this reason, the online sportsbooks we endorse at Sports Geek are regulated and operate under the licenses granted by gaming authorities from other states.
HB 2303
As we look ahead to 2025, the push for sports betting in Texas seems to have stalled, particularly following the election of several new lawmakers who are firmly against gambling in the recent 2024 election. and .
HB 1275
, to name a few.)
Horse Racing Legislation in Texas
The
Located in Grand Prairie, live horse racing activities occur during the months of April to July and again from September to November. Texas Racing Act Popular Texas race tracks include:
Lone Star Park
In Houston, the live racing season takes place from January through April. Sam Houston Race Park Retama Park
Gillespie County Fairgrounds
Selma hosts live racing events from May to October. Online Racebooks in Texas .
- In addition, live racing events are scheduled over four weekends during the months of July and August.
- Texas law does not currently address online racebooks, which means there are no licensed online options operating within the state. Nevertheless, the
horse race betting sites
The Future of Sports Betting in Texas Texas Sports Betting Alliance online platforms we suggest are properly licensed and monitored by international gaming authorities, ensuring access for bettors located in Texas.
- These recommended sites offer a variety of international racing events year-round, in addition to seasonal races conducted at Texas racetracks.
- The consensus among experts is that the chances of Texas legalizing sports betting in 2025 are quite low.
- Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, has consistently voiced his opposition to the current sports betting legislative proposals.
- Despite the considerable efforts and financial investments from lobbying organizations such as the
- Groups advocating for the legalization of sports betting have been active in Texas for numerous years. Let's take a closer look at the recent developments in sports betting legislation.
- HJR 134 seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to empower the state legislature to legalize and oversee sports betting. A letter from Republican lawmakers to the chair of the House State Affairs Committee refers to the proposed bill as “
Texas Sports Betting Timeline
The State Affairs Committee approved both HB 1942 and HJR 102,
March 2025 which aim to permit online sports betting. Concurrently, bills HB 2843 and HJ3 155 were also passed, which would permit retail sports betting at casino resorts. These initiatives were ultimately stifled by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.
A hearing was held by the Texas House State Affairs Committee to discuss legislation related to retail and online sports betting. During the session, both HB 1942 and HJR 102, which garnered support from the Texas Sports Betting Alliance, were reviewed.
Representative Jeff Leach introduced HB 1942 and HJR 102 in the House, while Senator Lois Kolkhorst submitted SB 715 and SJR 39 in the Senate. These dead on arrival bills advocate for the legalization and regulation of online sports betting within Texas.
.\"
Jerry Jones has publicly expressed his support for the legalization of sports betting in Texas, stating, “I think it’s really something that needs to be considered at this time.” The Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado is championing the cause for the establishment of retail casinos and sportsbooks through her bill, SJR 17, which is scheduled for review during the 2023 legislative session.
March 22, 2023
February 6, 2023
January 15, 2023
Dallas Cowboys owner
January 10, 2023
November 2021
February 2021
Sports Betting Alliance
January 4, 2021
November 10, 2020
May 14, 2018
The
The SJR 17 amendment to the Texas Constitution proposes the creation of a Gaming Commission responsible for sanctioning and managing resorts that include betting facilities.
Efforts to advance online sports betting initiatives in Texas have been postponed until 2023, as the state legislature only addresses such matters in odd-numbered years.
- The Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Mavericks have banded together to represent Texas in the
- Popular Texas Sports Teams to Bet On
along with operators like BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanduel, and Barstool Sportsbook, as part of a campaign to advocate for sports betting in Texas.
Texas NFL Teams Dallas Cowboys Introduced by Texas state representative Harold Dutton, HB 1121 aimed to provide regulations for sports betting in Texas but failed to progress beyond the committee stage.
Houston Texans
online NFL betting sites
Texas NBA and WNBA Teams
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
Rep. Joe Deshotel proposed HB 477 to allow sports betting at various locations throughout the state.
Dallas Wings
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PAPSA) was invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court, thereby shifting the responsibility for sports betting regulation and legalization to the individual states. and NBA betting sites
In the realm of major North American professional leagues, which include the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA, Texas showcases eight teams each season. Additionally, the state is home to teams in smaller leagues such as the AHL, NWSL, and WNBA, alongside several well-known NCAA programs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of popular sports teams in Texas categorized by their respective leagues.
To discover top-rated football betting sites, consult our guide to
For basketball betting options, refer to our guide to
Check out our guide for finding the best baseball sportsbooks.
Online sports betting options for Texans according to locality
Considering that Texas ranks as the second-largest state in the U.S. by both area and population, we’ve curated a list of suggestions based on local preferences.
Texas NHL Teams
NHL betting
Recognized as the most diverse city in Texas, we recommend BetNow for Houston residents eager to engage in betting on international leagues, ranging from Polish basketball to South Korean baseball and Brazilian soccer.
sportsbooks.
Houston Dynamo
Dallas boasts teams like the Mavericks (NBA), Cowboys (NFL), Rangers (MLB), and Stars (NHL), while also serving as a major center for professional esports, with organizations like Fuel, Empire, Team Envy, and Complexity operating in the area. Our recommendation for Bovada is based on its extensive esports offerings, featuring 10 different games and coverage of key tournaments.
Austin FC
Find the perfect
Given that 64% of the population in San Antonio identifies as Hispanic, we suggest BetUS, which provides a variety of betting options for Latin American and Spanish European leagues, especially for soccer fans. Bettors will discover numerous leagues from countries like Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
In Austin, sports bettors can 'Keep Austin Weird' by enjoying a range of entertainment as well as unique wagering opportunities at Bovada. For those seeking an unconventional experience, they can place bets on various outcomes, including Eurovision results, celebrity relationships, and even gas prices. Baylor Bears .
For Texans who wish to experience in-person sportsbooks, they’ll need to venture outside the state. Neighboring states and locations just across the Mexican border offer several options.
TCU Horned Frogs
SMU Mustangs
Sports betting in neighboring states
Refine your picks with our
NCAA football
and NCAA basketball
betting guides.
Houston — BetNow
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Dallas — Bovada
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Residents in northern Texas can access licensed land-based sportsbooks available at casinos and racetracks in three of the four states that share a border with Texas.
In 2020, the state of Louisiana passed legislation that legalized sports betting at casinos and other authorized establishments. By October 2021, the first retail sportsbooks were operational.
A tribal gaming agreement passed in 2018, permitting all types of Class III gaming and making sportsbooks at tribal casinos legitimate in New Mexico.
Casino Caliente in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua — just a 30-minute drive from El Paso, TX
Codere in Monterrey, Nuevo León — also approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Laredo, TX
As of 2023, popular Daily Fantasy Sports platforms such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Yahoo are operational in Texas, providing users with paid contest opportunities. However, there are ongoing legal ambiguities surrounding DFS, as it is not officially regulated or legalized within the state. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton notably issued a 2016 opinion suggesting that DFS falls under the general prohibition of betting outlined in the Texas Constitution. Nonetheless, various companies continue to host paid contests for real money on DFS platforms, with the caveat that participants must be at least 18 years old.
Texas is home to three tribal casinos operating on reservation lands: Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casinos in Eagle Pass, Naskila Gaming in Livingston, and Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso. These establishments comply with the federal Indian Gaming Regulation Act (IGRA), which permits Class I and Class II gaming on tribal sites despite facing opposition from the state government. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle stands out as the largest, featuring slot machines, poker rooms, and bingo.
Since 2019, poker rooms have been both legal and regulated in Texas. According to these regulations, poker room operators are prohibited from profiting off buy-ins or players' winnings. Although some municipalities may impose regulatory challenges on poker rooms, this gambling form remains one of the more accessible options available. Approximately 60 poker rooms operate across the state, and multiple major poker tours frequently stop in Texas, including the World Poker Tour. The Texas State Poker Championship takes place annually in Austin, drawing top players nationwide.
In Texas, efforts to establish regulated sports betting face significant hurdles. Legalizing it at the state level proves to be a daunting task, as any modifications to existing betting regulations necessitate a constitutional amendment. For such amendments to be enacted, they require a two-thirds majority from the state legislature, which includes bipartisan backing from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, along with popular support from a statewide vote.
As of 2025, the push for sports betting has encountered a standstill due to the election of numerous lawmakers opposed to gambling following the 2024 elections.
